Today's Crossword: Time to reap what was sown... visit harvest festivals around the world
We discover the customs around this joyous time, as plates are full, and families gather
All around the world, the arrival of the fall harvest season is a time for joy, celebration and full bellies.
Click start to play today’s Crossword and identify the different countries that celebrate these festivals.
From pumpkins and turkeys gracing the table on Thanksgiving in the US and Canada, to a celebration of rice in Indonesia, here are some harvest festivals that are renowned for their unique feasts and festivities:
Lammas Festival, UK
Lammas is the beginning of the harvest season in the UK, when food is plenty and the country heads towards winter. As the tradition goes, the British bake bread from their newly harvested crop and leave it on church altars. They also celebrate with elaborate feasts, made for family and friends, as dolls made of corn stalk decorate their dining tables.
Incwala, Swaziland
This age-old tradition revolves around fetching river- and sea- water to strengthen the king of the land. At the end of December, men from Swaziland head to the sea, by the coast of Mozambique, to collect water so Incwala can begin. Using branches from the sacred lusekwane tree, the people make a bower for the king, and when he takes his first bite of fruit, it’s a signal for the community to launch the harvest festival.
Olivagando, Italy
In Italy, a commune called Magione holds a two-day festival in November to celebrate the feast day of St. Clement, along with the harvest from local olive trees. Everyone in the area comes together to get involved in the production of olive oil and the town holds a lavish medieval dinner at its 12th century castle.
Chanthaburi Fruit Fair, Thailand
Although the area of Chanthaburi is known for its gemstones, its bountiful native fruits are no less colourful. At the summer harvest, the Fruit Fair showcases a vibrant array of exotic rambutans, longans, durians and mangosteens. There are competitions, art displays and an opening-day parade with gigantic floats made of thousands of tropical vegetables and fruits.
Pongal, India
The country has over 18 different kinds of harvest festivals, but one of its most popular ones comes from South India. Celebrated in mid-January every year, it lasts for four days. Pongal literally means “spilling over”, a nod to the tradition of boiling rice in a pot until it begins to overflow, showcasing the bounties of Nature and the gratitude the community shares for an abundant harvest season.
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